The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has kiboshed the potential sale of a piece of land between the Trans-Canada Highway and Langford Lake.
The City of Langford listed the property for sale earlier this year, initially asking for $7.9 million. After a few offers fell through, council was about to review a $2.9-million offer from Seacliff Properties when the ministry intervened saying it still might need the property for highway infrastructure.
RELATED: Langford considering $2.9-million offer for Langford Lake land
Langford purchased the 4.6-acre property about a decade ago for a highway flyover. Plans changed, and this year the city considered it an orphan property, listing it for sale to recoup taxpayer money.
That option is on hold “to allow for further and more detailed review of both access to this property and other potential infrastructure needs in this general area,” a Langford spokesperson said.
The sale was controversial as many residents consider the area a sensitive ecological zone, and want to keep a natural buffer around the lake.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the government branch intervening in the sale. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is considering its future needs for the Trans-Canada Highway. We apologize for the error and any confusion it may have caused.
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